Articulate grievances, important link between politicians & people / government & governed, provide access for citizens to voice opinions, pressure groups have power to influence - senator has calls on representative role; party, admin, constituents

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Functions of pressure groups: Citizen Participation

In US, political participation seen as virtue, increases opportunity to engage politically. Americans seek greater participation than the one day a year. Group may offer ability to participate in specific area: gun control, abortion, environment, war

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Functions of pressure groups: Public Educucation

Warning people of possible dangers if issues aren't addressed

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Functions of pressure groups: Agenda Building

Attempt to influence agendas of a party, legislator, bureaucrat to give priority to members' interest. May bring together various groups of society to achieve common interest

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Functions of pressure groups: Agenda Building in action (2)

Manufacturers/distributors of CDs, videos, computer software worked together to get government to pay attention to problem of piracy of such goods. Result was China promising to close down factories illegally duplicating American goods.

To make world/society better place. Difference between joining AARP/Amnesty International (former will be beneficial to elderly, latter will be altruistic - awareness for torture, political imprisonment, human rights violations.

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Reasons for joining pressure groups: Purposive Benefits (2)

Attract members of higher class/education. Give them a feel good factor, that they are playing part in social betterment of socity

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Reasons for joining pressure groups: Solidarity Benefits

Social benefit by interacting with like-minded people, groups centre local meetings (local chapters): If birdwatcher may join National Audubon Society, not to preserve wetlands but join local chapter (Virginia, could attend Wild-life fest)

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Methods used by pressure groups: Electioneering and Endorsement (1)

Since campaign finance reforms (1970s) changes to role of PG in political fundraising (limited $), encouraged establishment of Political Action Committees (PACs) to make donations. 2006 mid-terms, Larry Sabato found PAC spending exceeded $1b.

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Methods used by pressure groups: Electioneering and Endorsement (2)

PACs grown in number/importance since passage of McCain-Fiengold law (over 400 news PACs created in first 4 years). 2012:49% Super PAC donations received by Obama were over $1m. In House, none of 12 top recipients of PAC $ lost election (helpful).

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Methods used by pressure groups: Electioneering and Endorsement (3)

2010: biggest contributor was National Association of Realtors, gave under $3.8m to fed candidates, spent further $7m in independent expenditures. No clear link between PAC contributors/way votes cast in House/Senate - direct lobbying more effective

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Methods used by pressure groups: Electioneering and Endorsement (4)

Candidate endorsement based on stance on issues: 2012, pro-life group 'National Right to Life' endorsed Romney. Every 2 years, League of Conservative Voters publish 'dirty dozen' (12 with record of worst environmental conservation

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Methods used by pressure groups: Electioneering and Endorsement (5)

AARP 'voter guide' put questions to candidates (2008, Democrat Kissel agreed with AARP, won against incumbent 55%-45%) Buchanan, of Florida's 13th district, realised number of retiree's, decided better to stand with them than party, one 55%-37%.

Public relations campaigns to educate people, takes different forms: TV adverts, roadside hoardings, badgers, bumper stickers. May send DVDs to law-makers (DVD sent to Congress to tighten laws on production of veal meat called 'murder on the menu'

Violence/disorder. 1995: bombing of federal govt buildings in Oklahoma city linked to militia groups on far right, set fire to abortion clinics, intimidate staff who work there, shot doctors who carry abortions out.

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Impact of pressure groups: Environmental Protection

End of 19th century, emerged when industrialisation/'westward expansion' under way. Sierra Club formed, followed by Wilderness Society/National Wildlife Federation. Groups pushed for stricter laws on protection.

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Impact of pressure groups: Women's Rights

League of Women Voters, National Organisation for Women pushed (unsuccessfully) passage of Equal Rights Amendment to Constitution in 1970s/1980s. Remained active, campaigning for equal pay/jobs/representation (EMILY supports female candidates early)

NRA (1871) one of most powerful pressure group, membership of 3 million. Influential in preventing encroachment on rights , wants to uphold 2nd Amendment (right to 'keep and bear arms')

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Impact of pressure groups: Economic Inequality

Collapse of banking sector began in latter years of GWB, rise of international Occupy movement to pressure governments to address issue of economic inequality. Seen as democratic awakening. Year later, more criticism of it than support.

WH may 'court' PG - GWB poltical director contact Christian Right groups to reassure them that SC nomination would support their interests in court (Harriet Miers) - lobbied against her.

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Impact of pressure groups on Judiciary:

Nominations very important. Hope to influence courts by offering 'amicus curiae' (friends of the court) to present views in court before oral arguments heard - used alot in areas like abortion, racial minorities. 2008: NRA role in 'DoC v. Heller'

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Regulation of pressure groups:

1st Amendment details freedome of speech and expression: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances".

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Regulation of pressure groups: Earlier Attempts at Lobbying Reform

After 1946, Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, did Congress start to regulate activity of pressure groups. Required lobbyists to register with clerk of HoR/secretary of Senate if raised money to aid/defeat legislation, was largely ignored.

Democrats took control of both houses (1st time in 12 years) - enacted Sept 2007, bipartisan support (411-8/83-14), Bush said first step in reforms. Closed revolving door (senators wait 2 years before lobbying/House can't lobby former office 1 yr)

Former members of Congress take well-paid jobs with Washinton based lobbying firms, use expertise and contacts to lobby other members of instution - argued abuse of public service. 2010 MT: 119 left Capitol Hill (31% lobbying firms, 22% clients)

Back

Card 3

Front

Articulate grievances, important link between politicians & people / government & governed, provide access for citizens to voice opinions, pressure groups have power to influence - senator has calls on representative role; party, admin, constituents

Back

Card 4

Front

In US, political participation seen as virtue, increases opportunity to engage politically. Americans seek greater participation than the one day a year. Group may offer ability to participate in specific area: gun control, abortion, environment, war